Transcript Highlights:

• It's directly because of the State Bar of Arizona.
• disciplinary judge of proof of a lawyer's conviction of a felony.
• Of course. I feel somewhat understanding of the neutrality, revenue neutrality of it.
• We've curtailed a lot of the influx of fentanyl.
• Do you have numbers of members of each of those groups that you are speaking for?

Bills: SB1003 , SB1006 , SB1029 , SB1037 , SB1038 , SB1039 , SB1040 , SB1053 , SB1057 , SB1060 , SB1061 , SB1068 , SB1069

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, campaign finance, contribution limits, reporting requirements, political action committees, elections, campaign contributions, candidate committees, posthumous provisions, termination process, Arizona Revised Statutes, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security

Transcript Highlights:

• Adoption of the amendment. Uh, any objection to the previous amendment?
• Chairman, members of the committee.
• A constituent of mine actually was part of the cleanup process on the atomic bombs.
• It's the people who actually were part of the program in the state.
• cleaned up some of the waste after the fact.

Bills: HB506 , HB480 , HB105 , HB403 , HB513 , SB341

Committee: Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety

Keywords: emergency vehicles, off-road vehicles, public safety, liability, regulations, foreign nationals, voter identification, driver licenses, immigration documentation, Alabama election law, law enforcement, retirement benefits, Alabama Peace Officers, agency-issued badge, agency-issued pistol, criminal enterprise, database, data privacy, criminal justice, background check

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, the legislature passed a special law giving Port Authority powers to the city of Lake City.
• The bill waives the legal time limit for the city to file the resolution of port authority recognition
• In 2022, the legislature passed a special law giving port authority powers to the city of Lake City.
• The bill waives the legal time limit for the city to file the resolution of port authority recognition
• of port authority recognition resolution of port authority recognition and<00:23:05.920><c> offers</

Transcript Highlights:

• Disclosure of those affiliations, disclosures of letters of protection, and the particulars of data and
• of the occupants of the work vehicle.
• You've given us a lot of examples of where this kind of... it ends up falling out of bounds, I think,
• I'm also one of three brothers who are owners of Pfeiffer and Sun Limited in La Porte, Texas.
• You know, the city of Laredo is the biggest port in the United States of America.

Bills: SB30 , SB517 , SB1313 , SB1314 , SB1316 , SB1541 , SB1698 , SB1845 , SB1860 , SB2420 , SB2429

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma have formed a port development authority, the Northwest Seaport
• This bill removes the expiration date of December 31, 2031, and port districts and port development authorities
• Tacoma is a working-class town, and our port is the beating heart of it.
• about the development of the ports.
• the Port of Seattle that we are not using.

Summary: The Senate Local Government and State Parks Committee heard several bills focused on local government finance, land use, and public safety. SB 5903 would deem a cemetery district commissioner elected if only one qualified candidate files, with sponsor Senator Cortez saying it would save ballot-printing costs and local resources; there was no testimony in opposition. SB 6037 would create or modify a voter-approved option for cities and towns to form a single-city fire protection district, adjust levy and notice rules, allow administrative service contracts with the city, and clarify commissioner elections; Senator Cortez and multiple city and fire officials said it would give communities more flexible, locally controlled funding tools for fire service, while committee members asked about how it would work and the fiscal impact. SB 5983 would exempt certain current-use land transferred to a government entity for right-of-way from rollback taxes when the transfer is tied to development conditions and stays within a 20% acreage limit; Senator Leas described it as helping a family farm avoid an unfair tax bill, and there was no testimony on the bill. The committee also heard SB 5995, which would remove the 2031 sunset on the prohibition against using port funds to buy fully automated marine container cargo handling equipment. The sponsor and labor witnesses argued the bill protects jobs, keeps public dollars from underwriting automation, and still allows zero-emission, human-operated equipment; port and labor representatives testified in strong support, while the sign-in sheet showed substantial public interest both for and against. SB 6016 would change how urban growth area swaps treat critical aquifer recharge areas, making the rules for annual and periodic updates more consistent and allowing swaps if they do not increase net CARA acreage within the UGA; the sponsor, Commerce, housing, business, and development interests said it was a technical fix that supports housing and consistency, while one witness warned it could weaken groundwater protections and create litigation risk. Finally, the committee heard SB 6066, which would let counties, cities, towns, or WSDOT designate “accident risk zones” on roads with repeated crashes, require a public hearing and engineering review, double certain traffic penalties in the zone, and dedicate half the extra revenue to safety improvements before dissolving the zone. Supporters from cities, counties, and Pasco said it could help address dangerous intersections and fund fixes, though several witnesses raised liability and implementation concerns and asked for further stakeholder work. No votes were taken in the transcript; the chair closed each hearing after testimony and sign-in counts were noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, when you think of the Port of Corpus Christi...
• The Port of Corpus Christi is a landlord port, which means they own a lot of land. ...land that they
• lease to some of these industrial facilities, and that's part of the way the port makes their money.
• In summary, members, San Patricio County has emerged as a focal point. point of growth in the Port of
• I work with the Port of Sabine Pass, or the Sabine Pass Port Authority.

Bills: HB535 , HB2120 , HB2822 , HB3243 , HB3457 , HB3544 , HB4089 , HB4192 , HB4669 , HB4868 , HB4955 , HB5253 , HB5669 , SB1371 , SB1919 , SB2001

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of the scale and scope of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, they're the largest single
• of the ports.
• Madam Chair, members, Dan Sean, on behalf of the Port of Long Beach.
• Madam Chair, members, Dan Sean, on behalf of the Port of Long Beach.
• As mentioned by the Port of Los Angeles witness, our two ports see about 20,000... ...a Port of Los Angeles

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 712 by Senator Grove, which would expand the smog-check exemption for classic vehicles from model years 1976 to 1986, phased in over five years and sunset in 2032. Supporters, including lowrider and classic car advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, said the bill would preserve car culture, reduce burdens on owners of rarely driven vehicles, and support related businesses. Opponents, including air district representatives, the American Lung Association, and environmental groups, argued the bill would increase pollution and weaken an important clean-air program. The committee ultimately passed SB 712 on a due-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations after adopting amendments and holding the roll open for additional votes. The committee then took up SB 800 by Senator Reyes, presented by Assemblymember Richardson, which would direct Caltrans and local governments to assess mitigation measures for suicides on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. Support came from local officials, health organizations, and community groups, who described the measure as a needed suicide-prevention step and a way to identify high-risk locations for safety improvements. There was no organized opposition, and members spoke in favor of the bill before it was moved on a due-pass vote to Appropriations. Next, the committee considered SB 30 by Senator Cortese, as amended, to restrict California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing some Tier 2 and newer transfers with approval. Supporters said the bill would prevent older diesel engines from continuing to pollute elsewhere and would reduce health and climate harms. Transit agencies opposed the measure, arguing it could limit useful transfers of locomotives and should instead allow case-by-case air-quality review. The bill passed out of committee on a 6-4 vote, with the roll held open. The committee also heard SB 791 by Senator Cortese, which would replace the flat $85 dealer document processing charge with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and modernize a fee that has lagged behind inflation, while consumer advocates opposed it as too high and burdensome for buyers. After extensive questioning about transparency, negotiability, and affordability, the committee passed SB 791 to Appropriations. The meeting also included the start of testimony on SB 34, a port-related air quality and anti-automation measure from Senator Richardson, with support from ILWU and allied groups and opposition from some transit and business interests, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the ports.
• Madam Chair and members, Dan Sean, on behalf of the Port of Long Beach.
• Madam Chair and members, Dan Sean, on behalf of the Port of Long Beach.
• As mentioned by the Port of Los Angeles witness, our two ports see about 20,000... some of our concerns
• As mentioned by the Port of LA witness, our two ports see about 20,000 A Port of Los Angeles witness

Summary: The committee first took up SB 712, which would expand California’s smog-check exemption for classic vehicles by adding model years 1976 through 1986 in phases, with a sunset in 2032. The author and supporters, including lowrider advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, argued the bill would preserve car culture, support a small class of rarely driven collector vehicles, and reduce burdens on owners who struggle to find equipment for older smog tests. Opponents, including air district officials, the American Lung Association, and other environmental groups, warned the bill would weaken an important emissions-control program and increase pollution. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to do pass as amended to Appropriations on a roll call vote of 10-0, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee then heard SB 800, which requires Caltrans, working with local governments, to assess mitigation measures for suicide prevention on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. The bill was presented as a response to recent tragedies in Rancho Cucamonga and was supported by local officials, health organizations, and suicide-prevention advocates, who said the measure would help identify high-risk locations and lead to life-saving interventions. There was no registered opposition. The committee members expressed support, and SB 800 was passed to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call vote, with the roll held open. Next, the committee considered SB 30, which would prohibit California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing Tier 2 and newer transfers under certain conditions. The author and supporters framed the bill as a climate and public-health measure to prevent older, dirtier locomotives from continuing to pollute elsewhere, while transit agencies opposed it, arguing it could limit useful transfers of equipment that still supports passenger service and could be better handled through case-by-case air-quality review. After debate, the committee voted 6-4 to pass SB 30 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also heard SB 791, which replaces the flat dealer document processing charge cap with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and improve transparency, while consumer advocates opposed it as an unjustified increase that would burden buyers. The committee approved SB 791 on a 8-? roll call vote and held the roll open. The meeting then moved on to SB 34, a port-air-quality bill presented by Senator Richardson, but the transcript ends during testimony and debate on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have Eric Gerking from the Port of Everett and Penny Hughes from the Port of Bridgefield, available
• I know many of you tour our ports, and I know Representative Delio, you recently toured the Port of Olympia
• Port of Bellingham.
• I have some folks with me today, the Port of Everett, Port of Ridgefield, Port of Bellingham, and Port
• I have some folks with me today, the Port of Everett, Port of Ridgefield, Port of Bellingham, and Port

Summary: The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline. The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments. The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that the port... ...of the value of the taxable property in the district without voter approval if
• Is that the port... If it underperforms, who bears the risk of that? Is it the port district?
• Okay, so there are 75 ports in the state of Washington. I know 75 ports in the state of Washington.
• I'm the executive director of the Port of Moses Lake.
• This is a single carve-out for the Port of Moses Lake.

Bills: SB6132

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: indebtedness limits, inland port districts, federal funding, infrastructure improvements, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• The Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma have formed a port development authority, the Northwest Seaport
• This bill removes the expiration date of December 31, 2031, and port districts and port development authorities
• The majority of cargo handling equipment is not purchased by ports.
• talking about the development of the ports.
• the Port of Seattle that we are not using.

Bills: SB5903 , SB6037 , SB5983 , SB5995 , SB6016 , SB6066

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: cemetery districts, elections, local governance, public policy, administrative procedures, fire protection, districts, emergency services, funding, legislation, tax exemption, land transfer, governmental entity, property tax, current use classification, zero emission, cargo handling, port district, environmental impact, grant allocation

Transcript Highlights:

• One key component of that system is our maritime ports. We have 23 of those in the state of Texas.
• I'm the Port Director of the Port of Port Arthur. Testimony is neutral on topic.
• As I mentioned, Port Director for the Port of Porter.
• TPA, and as Mark said, TPA represents three ports of Texas, shallow and deep draft maritime ports.
• Clearly, investing in our ports not only addresses the unique needs of each port, but also drives substantial

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• The Port of Ponderay joined PERS in 2023.
• For many decades, the Port of Vancouver, and we believe potentially other Washington ports, have entered
• I am the executive director for the Port of Ponderay.
• For many decades, the port of Vancouver, we believe potentially other Washington ports have entered into
• I am the executive director for the Port of Pondere.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on January 20, 2026, hearing several bills related to retirement systems, school employee health coverage, port district pensions, environmental fee accounts, developmental disability services, legislative budget transparency, and a new Apple Health employer assessment. Early in the meeting, the committee heard SB 5834, which would make permanent a temporary expansion allowing certain retirement trust fund earnings to pay broader administrative expenses, and SB 5835, which would raise the lump-sum retirement allowance threshold for Plan 2 members from $50 to $250. Both bills were presented by Department of Retirement Systems staff and supported by the department, with questions focused on the scope of the administrative-expense language in SB 5834 and the technical nature of SB 5835. The committee then entered executive session and moved three bills without recommendation to the Rules Committee: Substitute SB 5249, allowing kit homes as emergency housing; Substitute SB 5053, allowing certain counties to include school district boundaries when forming a public facilities district; and Substitute SB 5203, directing state agencies to develop a wildlife habitat connectivity strategy and creating related accounts. After returning to public hearing, members heard SB 5883 on SEBB eligibility for school employees in their second school year of employment. Supporters, including labor representatives and individual school workers, said the bill would reduce coverage gaps and improve recruitment and retention, while school district officials and administrators argued it would create an unfunded mandate, increase costs, and add administrative burden. No action was taken on the bill. The committee also heard SB 5905, which would exclude certain port district employees from PERS if they are covered by the federal Railroad Retirement Plan or a collectively bargained defined benefit pension plan. Port representatives, labor stakeholders, and the Department of Retirement Systems described it as a narrow technical fix to avoid duplicate pension coverage and retroactive liabilities, and the bill drew support. SB 6151 would create dedicated accounts for Ecology fee revenue tied to laboratory accreditation and landfill methane work; Ecology and county representatives supported the measure as a way to reinvest fees in the programs that generate them. SB 6163 would require the Individual and Family Services waiver for developmental disability services to be budgeted at maintenance level; advocates said it would stabilize services and prevent waitlists, and no opposition was heard. The final two bills were SB 6177, which would require LEAP’s budget website to display additional budget detail such as carry-forward data, program and subprogram expenditures, and balance sheets for all public accounts, and SB 6173, which would create an Apple Health employer assessment on larger private employers with workers enrolled in Medicaid expansion coverage. SB 6177 was framed as a transparency measure, while SB 6173 drew extensive testimony both in support and opposition: supporters said it would help offset expected Medicaid losses after federal work requirements take effect and stabilize the health safety net, while opponents argued it would be an unfunded tax, create administrative and legal complications, and could discourage hiring or reduce hours. The committee heard no final votes on the public hearing bills, and staff reminded members that signature sheets would be held for 24 hours under Senate rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11 out of all of America's 2018, only 11 out of all of America's 170<00:22:53.679><c> VA</c><00:22:54.080
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• </c><01:48:32.159><c> 2026</c> importance of the passage of the 2026 importance of the passage of the
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Transcript Highlights:

• We’re running out of power. We’re running out of electricity.
• a land bank, so it could take the cost of the dirt out of the cost of housing.
• , and they've already done a great job of outlining some of the positive impacts of this bill.
• One of the issues in Kittitas County is there's no port district, and so there's a need to create designated
• I'm here to speak on behalf of the city of Lynden and here to speak on behalf of House Bill 2224.

Bills: HB2103 , HB2388 , HB2316 , HB2006 , HB2224

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: renewable energy, nonemitting generation, public entities, contracting, electric generation, distributed energy, agricultural land, energy generation, renewable resources, siting regulations, land use, urban development, vegetation management, shrubsteppe, environmental regulation, economic development, sales tax, rural counties, industrial land banks, growth management

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of those reasons is because of the statutory definition of affordable.
• It's a public corporation of the state of Florida.
• And one of those reasons is because of the statutory definition of affordable.
• It's a public corporation of the state of Florida.
• Because for the first time, we can simultaneously lower the cost of housing, lower the cost of entry

Summary: The committee met to hear a panel on workforce and attainable housing, with presentations from Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Wendover Housing Partners, the City of Tallahassee, and Escambia County. Speakers described how state and local tools such as SHIP, the Live Local Act, land trusts, accessory dwelling units, infill development, and public-private partnerships are being used to expand housing supply and preserve long-term affordability. Several panelists emphasized that housing demand is rising across income levels, that workforce households often need subsidy to buy or rent, and that housing location, transportation access, and proximity to jobs and services are critical. They also highlighted challenges including rising construction costs, limited land, insurance, NIMBY opposition, and the need for more flexible financing tools and employer participation. Members asked about area median income thresholds, whether current programs are reaching the households most in need, and what additional tools might help. Florida Housing said its traditional rental programs generally serve households at or below 60% AMI, while need is increasingly reaching up to 80% AMI statewide and higher in some regions; staff also provided examples of AMI levels by county. Other discussion focused on the impact of local government opt-outs, tax abatements, corporate ownership of single-family homes, insurance costs, Fortified construction standards, and whether bonuses or other income calculations can unintentionally disqualify applicants. Panelists urged more political will, more local flexibility, and additional incentives for employers and landowners to support housing near jobs. The committee also used an anonymous interactive polling exercise, and members identified partnerships, SHIP funding, local government action, cost, and insurance as key issues. In closing, the chair said the committee would continue a member-driven process and likely hold a workshop on housing-related topics. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the meeting, and the session adjourned after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• President Pro Tem, I rise for a point of personal privilege for introduction of Doctor of the Day.
• The Senate will please stand in a moment of silence in honor of the life of Brad Brower.
• one of us.
• out of fear of retaliation.
• My father-in-law got rest of his old, died of cancer.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, a Pre-born Day of Rights proclamation, and a tribute to retired public servant Carmen Green Smith. The chamber also welcomed various guests and groups in the gallery, including Arizona Right to Life, Reproductive Freedom for All, a doctor of the day, schoolchildren, and community visitors. A motion to suspend the rules and immediately advance SB 1396 on contraception rights failed by a vote of 12 ayes to 16 nays. The Senate then considered House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brad Brower, adopted it unanimously, observed a moment of silence, and transmitted the resolution to the House. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2072, HB 2307, and HB 2874. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal/renaming debate, drew extensive floor debate over a Miranda amendment to rename the day for farm workers; that amendment failed 12-15, and the bill was ultimately advanced as amended by the committee’s striker/repeal language. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility process, received committee and floor amendments and was advanced as amended. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and contributions, also received committee and technical floor amendments and was advanced as amended. On final third readings, HB 2874 passed 18-11 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House. HB 2307 passed 27-2 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House, with supporters emphasizing public safety and the emergency clause. HB 272 passed after a lengthy and contentious debate over whether to repeal or rename the holiday associated with César Chávez and the farm worker movement; supporters of repeal cited allegations against Chávez and the need for accountability, while opponents argued the holiday should preserve recognition of farm workers and the movement’s history. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report and assigned the bills accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're running out of power. We're running out of electricity.
• a land bank, so it could take the cost of the dirt out of the cost of housing.
• a land bank, so it could take the cost of the dirt out of the cost of housing.
• talked, and they've already done a great job of outlining some of the positive impacts of this bill.
• One of the issues in Kittitas County is there's no port district, and so there's a need to create designated

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several local government bills. HB 2006 would extend the deadline for certain rural counties that collect a sales and use tax for economic development to designate industrial land banks under the Growth Management Act. Supporters, including the sponsor and Kittitas County representatives, said the bill would help counties identify industrial land for job growth and economic development; Futurewise opposed it, citing concerns about large industrial land banks and impacts to agricultural lands. HB 2244 would let a city that forms a fire protection district after July 1, 2026, keep its levy rate without reducing it by the district’s levy, and would also allow online notice and interlocal contracting for fire services. City and fire officials supported it as a practical tool to fund fire service, while one witness opposed the broader trend of appointed taxing authorities. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 2316, which would limit shrub-step vegetation inside urban growth areas from being treated as wildlife habitat, critical area, or conservation area, and would bar related mitigation or replacement requirements. Tri-Cities officials, builders, housing advocates, and the sponsor argued the bill would reduce delays and costs for housing and development on already designated urban land, while conservation groups, tribal representatives, and some individuals opposed it as a broad rollback of habitat protections and a harmful precedent for ecosystems and wildlife. No vote was taken on the bills during the hearing. HB 2103 would expand public utility contracting authority so cities, utilities, and joint operating agencies could enter “capability” contracts for renewable or non-emitting generation projects, including nuclear, renewable hydrogen, and fusion, and repeal certain price-limit restrictions. Supporters said it would align older contracting law with the Clean Energy Transformation Act and help utilities plan for future power needs; opponents warned it would shift risk to ratepayers and revive concerns tied to the WPPSS nuclear debacle. The committee also heard HB 2388, which would classify pivot-corner solar and agrovoltaic facilities on agricultural land as distributed energy resources and accessory uses; the sponsor and supporters said it would help meet energy needs without harming productive farmland, while Futurewise asked for clarification to avoid unintended loss of agricultural land. The hearing then returned to HB 2103 for additional testimony, with the same basic split between utility and clean-energy supporters and ratepayer or anti-nuclear opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• So all of the same requirements of public schools apply.
• I'm going to give a little background of Pearl, of my portion of being with Pearl, and then address the
• What kind of—what in terms of your graduation rate and your entry into college do you have any numbers
• So with that, we kind of had a sense of that in 2023.
• Data sets in terms of creating them are... take a huge amount of energy, take a huge amount of Quincy

Summary: The committee met to hear an overview of Washington’s alternative learning experience (ALE) programs and then an update on artificial intelligence in schools. OSPI’s Anissa Sherritt explained that ALE is a course-level funding designation for instruction that occurs partly or wholly away from the traditional seat-time model, with online, site-based, and remote course types. She emphasized that ALE is still basic education, subject to the same public school requirements, and that OSPI provides technical assistance, annual reporting review, and program reviews. Representatives from several programs described different models: Washington Virtual Academy (a large online ALE operated through Omak School District and partnered with for-profit Stride), Columbia Virtual Academy in Valley School District (a district-run, nonprofit online/remote program), Pearl in Quilcene (a K-8 remote parent partnership program), and River Home Link in Battleground (a site-based hybrid program). They discussed student supports, special education, enrichment, family choice, transportation, and how they measure outcomes. Members asked for follow-up information on funding, demographics, racial and ethnic data, multilingual learners, and post-graduation outcomes, and OSPI agreed to provide additional data where available. The committee then heard from OSPI and several districts about AI guidance and implementation. OSPI’s Holly Ryan Calloway described the agency’s human-centered AI framework, three guidance documents for schools, statewide professional learning, an AI innovation summit, and new AI literacy and informatics course frameworks and CIP codes. Quincy School District described a multi-year effort to integrate AI by centering student needs, creating district policy and classroom guidance, and training teachers to use AI responsibly while building an AI readiness plan from elementary through high school. Peninsula School District described its AI action research team, teacher professional learning, and classroom uses of generative AI to support science instruction, communication, and prompt engineering, while stressing that AI should enhance rather than replace learning. Members raised questions about privacy, energy and water use, prompt engineering, workforce and university connections, and the need for clear standards and ongoing educator training. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• of regular sessions.
• Some of you may have seen footage of one family's home swept down the Nooksack River just north of where
• or lack of.
• of command.
• of dollars.

Bills: HB2235 , HJR4210 , HB2520 , HB2491 , HB2499 , HB2408 , HB2435

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: public records, concealed pistol licenses, firearm purchases, transfers, exemptions, transparency, Constitution amendment, legislative sessions, session duration, state legislature, governance, emergency meetings, public agencies, accountability, open government, HB2491, WaTech, Washington Technology Solutions, public disclosure, public inspection